The Vermont Association of Business, Industry and Rehabilitation

03/18/2026

HAVT & VABIR hosted their second annual Mock Interview Day at the Morrisville HireAbility office on Wednesday 2/25/26. This is event where local employers volunteer their time to complete practice interviews with participants. This year we had 9 employers volunteer their time and 10 participants engage. On average, each participant completed 3 mock interviews. Each interview lasted 30 minutes and included time for constructive, individualized feedback from the employer. Participants had 15 minutes in between interviews to congregate, reflect on feedback and make a thank-you card to the employer. At the start and end of the event, there is structured time for employers, VABIR and HAVT to engage. This event helps participants to strengthen their interview skills and builds confidence in real time. It truly also strengthens HireAbility & VABIR's continued collaboration with local employers

03/18/2026

03/18/2026

On February 20th, VABIR and CCV collaborated to create a “mini-access day” for the Arlington School students in St. Johnsbury.

The students learned about financial aid, TRIO, accessibility, programs such as dual enrollment and concurrent enrollment for High school students, and more. CCV instructors offered 2-20-minute “mini courses” focused on leadership development, in which students practiced team-building skills while learning about the 3 leadership styles.

The day ended with pizza and cookies, a trivia game with prizes, and lots of shwag.

10/16/2025

10/15/2025

09/05/2024

As a child, Alex LeFevre attended Rhythm of the Rein Therapeutic Riding and Driving Program and fell in love with the atmosphere. Rhythm of the Rein provides equine assisted activities and therapies to individuals regardless of their situation. Their mission is to enhance the well-being of individuals with physical, cognitive and emotional challenges for a better quality of life. Back then his favorite horse was Holly, his mom even designed a t-shirt with her on it, which he is sporting in the photo to the right.

Alex LeFevre has cerebral palsy. He was on an IEP at Williamstown Middle High School when he expressed interest in working and was referred to HireAbility Vermont. From his time at Rhythm of the Rein, he knew he wanted to work with horses.

Alex’s HireAbility Vermont Vocational Counselor, Lee Reilly and Jacqueline Rogers, an Employment Consultant Supervisor at The Vermont Association of Business, Industry and Rehabilitation reached out to Rhythm of the Rein. Dianne Lashoones the founder and program manager coordinated with PATH intl. therapeutic driving instructor and Barn Manager, Beth Belote, who began to assess what opportunities might be available to Alex.

Although Rhythm of the Rein was not currently in a position to hire anyone, Beth, remaining true to their mission, offered Alex the chance to gain experience and insight into the work by participating in a Paid Work Experience. This means that HireAbility paid Alex to work at Rhythm of the Rein while he was learning and gaining skills and experience. During this time, Alex’s dad agreed to be his on-the-job support.

Alex did various cleaning tasks like stalls, feeding bowls, and riding gear. He also fed and watered the horses, did hay, swept, prepped premixing soak, and some other odds and ends like helping with posters and first aid kits. His favorite thing to learn was leading the horses.

Prior to this opportunity, Alex had not yet experienced employment. He loved his time at Rhythm of the Rein. Although they are not hiring at the moment, it has brought him joy to be there with his dad and plans to volunteer there. Now that he has started to build a resume, Alex is excited for the future.

Are you or your child getting ready for life after high school? Learn how HireAbility Vermont can help at:
https://www.hireabilityvt.com/

09/14/2023

Stephanie, from White Rocks Design Studio (at Turcotte Design) was emotional when sharing her experience about HireAbility Vermont's Summer Career Exploration Program this year. She watched her student grow in just five short weeks. Her student was able to create a graphic design for a customer and see it through to the end. It was a special time and the customer was thrilled with the end result. A real connection was made.

09/10/2023

04/21/2023